While we are all aware that slavery existed in North America, most know very little about that shameful period. There has been an African presence in Canada for more than 300 years and our stories are significantly different from those of our American neighbours. Our commitment towards eliminating slavery within our nation and the fact that our country was the destination of those seeking freedom by using the Underground Railroad in their journey from Slavery to Emancipation are historic facts to be very proud of and to celebrate. We invite students in grades 5-12 to submit a researched essay pertaining to our African Canadian history. Choose a person, place or event to portray the stories of these courageous people and the contributions they have made to our nation as pioneers and settlers.

Your submissions will be reviewed by a panel of local authors and publishers with the winner and runner-up in each of 3 categories receiving an award. The 3 first place essays will also be given publication in local media and the authors, along with parents and teacher, invited to attend our Black History Event in April. All other entrants will receive a Certificate of Participation in what we hope will become an annual event. Unfortunately we will only be accepting submissions in English for this year.

The following represents the 3 categories

Grades 5 & 6 … maximum 600 words … prize values $75 & $50

Grades 7 & 8 … maximum 800 words … prize values $75 & $50

Grades 9 through 12 … maximum 1200 words … prize values $150 & $100

Contest begins Oct. 15th, 2014 and closes Dec. 15th, 2014 with awards announced in Jan. 2015. The publication of 1st prize winners will occur in February 2015 which is “Black History Month”

CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST RULES

*Submission Deadline is December 15th, 2014

*Contest is open to grade 5-12 students in all Grey & Bruce schools or home study programs.

FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT BLAINE COURTNEY (FESTIVAL CHAIRMAN) AT 519-376-9684 OR SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS VIA EMAIL TO emancipationfestivalbhe@gmail.com GROUP DISCUSSIONS REGARDING THE FESTIVAL AND LOCAL BLACK HISTORY MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED